proletarian
noun
pro·le·tar·i·an ˌprō-lə-ˈter-ē-ən 
: a member of the proletariat
proletarian adjective
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web As a proudly class-conscious proletarian, Martin is naturally supportive of worker strikes. 
J. Hoberman, The New York Review of Books, 22 Oct. 2020 Yet modern liberalism fits the modern world of high human capital better than the old rightish model of dim-witted peasants properly led by the aristocracy or the old leftish model of gormless proletarians properly led by The Party. The Economist, 8 Jan. 2020 Owing to the extensive use of machinery and to division of labour, the work of the proletarians has lost all individual character, and, consequently, all charm for the workman. Tristram Hunt, WSJ, 25 Jan. 2019 The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. Erik Kirschbaum, latimes.com, 3 May 2018 Unlike the proletarians whom Karl Marx exhorted to shed their chains, most people have rather a lot to lose. Yascha Mounk, Slate Magazine, 16 Mar. 2017 What if a roving band of mutant proletarians suddenly shows up at the front door? John Carl Baker, New Republic, 14 July 2017 See More
J. Hoberman, The New York Review of Books, 22 Oct. 2020 Yet modern liberalism fits the modern world of high human capital better than the old rightish model of dim-witted peasants properly led by the aristocracy or the old leftish model of gormless proletarians properly led by The Party. The Economist, 8 Jan. 2020 Owing to the extensive use of machinery and to division of labour, the work of the proletarians has lost all individual character, and, consequently, all charm for the workman. Tristram Hunt, WSJ, 25 Jan. 2019 The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. Erik Kirschbaum, latimes.com, 3 May 2018 Unlike the proletarians whom Karl Marx exhorted to shed their chains, most people have rather a lot to lose. Yascha Mounk, Slate Magazine, 16 Mar. 2017 What if a roving band of mutant proletarians suddenly shows up at the front door? John Carl Baker, New Republic, 14 July 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin proletarius, from proles progeny, from pro- forth + -oles (akin to alere to nourish) — more at old
First Known Use
circa 1657, in the meaning defined above
proletarians
noun
as in plebeians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- plebeians
- proles
- commoners
- plebs
- everymen
- laborers
- workers
- little guys
- little men
- peons
- slobs
- lugs
- Joe Six-Packs
- everywomen
- Joe Blows
- John Does
- plain Janes
- peones
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bigwigs
- big shots
- fat cats
- big wheels
- big cheeses
- VIPs
- movers and shakers